Cal State Long Beach students and faculty gathered together for a candlelight vigil Monday night to remember and honor the many people who have died because of AIDS.
Participants gathered outside of the College of the Arts' galleries with candles in hand in support.
"Everybody knows people who have died of AIDS, whether they admit it or not," said George Dinhaupt, an artist and gay rights activist. "I do artwork that focuses on issues of identity in the gay community and I'm heavily interested in this issue, both personally and as an artist. I'm involved with issues that affect the gay community, especially AIDS."
People were encouraged to speak out at the candlelight vigil and tell their own personal feelings and stories of how AIDS affected their lives.
"I'm involved in the Long Beach Gay Pride Celebrations," Dinhaupt said. "It's a chance for the community to recognize itself. I have public exhibitions of my work."
"My activities with the event are important for their educational value," he said. "They reinforce the issue of AIDS in the community of arts and in my own gay community."
There was a special AIDS panel with names of deceased artists on it made for the vigil.
"There are artists that you have been touched by on this but panel," said Todd Gray, a photographer. "It can't be ignored, AIDS is in the back of your mind."
"We want students to participate in this vigil instead of sinking into apathy." Gray said. "I've lost some friends because of it and now it takes on a deeper meaning, at least for me.
"I try to participate in more of these AIDS events. I do the AIDS walk with my son," he said.
Other students were encouraged to speak out on this controversial subject.
"There's still a little bit of stigma with AIDS, but less than it use to be," said Lee Robinson, a junior art major. "We're not as educated about it as we should be. We shouldn't wait until we know somebody with AIDS or have sex. We should educate ourselves now."
Many artists have died because of the AIDS epidemic and still others are living with HIV. The candlelight vigil brings much needed attention to this international crisis and remembers those artists that have died from it.
"I've never been to a candlelight vigil for AIDS before," said Charlene Bailey, a graduate student. "I thought it would be a moving experience."
"I teach art to children and I think it's important to remember those people who have contributed," she said. "We should make future generations aware of their contributions."
The candlelight vigil was one of the many events that was planned for the Day Without Art, a day dedicated to remember loved ones who have died from AIDS, celebrate their accomplishments, and educate the public on AIDS/HIV.
The Day Without Art coincides with the World Health Organization's annual AIDS Awareness Day and tries to encourage action to cure and care for all people with AIDS.
Shrouds covered art pieces throughout the south campus as a symbolic reminder of all those who have died of AIDS.
During the vigil, the shrouds were removed from paintings, sculptures, and other artwork while a list of names of deceased artist that died of AIDS was read.
After the candlelight vigil, the night ended with a potluck fellowship where students enjoyed one another's company and reflected on the events of the day.